Penticton

Bylaw budget bump floated

The City of Penticton’s bylaw department is bringing a new enforcement plan before council next week that includes the hiring of a fourth full-time officer.

The municipal bylaw department has had an increasing workload thrown at it recently, with growth in complaints about downtown vagrancy, nuisance properties and safety of parks and beaches.

If approved, the officer would allow the city to offer greater enforcement in the evenings and on Saturdays. A new administration position in the department was already approved with the 2018 budget last year.

The new four-officer system would see two officers work Mon.-Fri. and the other two work evenings Tues. - Sat.

The city says it has heard a desire from the community for more enforcement after dark, and in particular, more enforcement of the Good Neighbour Bylaw.

The new officer will cost the city $75,000 per year, however some additional vehicle expenses will likely be required.

In addition to increased downtown foot patrols, the plan going before council says the additional officer will also help enforce bylaws in parks and beaches during the summer, school-zone road safety and allow changes to the local pawnbrokers bylaw.